More In Your Life

Patricia N. Rowett - Candidate for Franklin Council - 2014 Primary

Patricia Rowett

Posted: May. 9, 2014 4:28 am Updated: Oct. 17, 2014 9:00 am

Four Republicans, including one incumbent, are running in the June 3 primary for their party’s nomination to two three-year terms on the Franklin Borough Council. The Republicans are Joe Limon, the council president, and challengers Michael Rathbun, Judith Stampone and Robert Dabinett.

On the Democratic side, Patricia N. Rowett is unopposed for her party’s nomination.

Councilman Mark Zschack, whose term is expiring, is not seeking re-election.

The two winners on the Republican side will face Rowett, as well as any independent or write-in candidates who might materialize, in November. All six council members and Mayor Paul Crowley, whose term expires at the end of 2015, are Republicans.

Patricia N. Rowett

Age: 63

Hometown: Franklin, lifelong resident

Family: Single, no kids

Education: Graduated Franklin Elementary and Franklin High School

Occupation: Part owner of Rowett’s Garage. We have been in business in Franklin since 1934.

Experience: I have been attending council and Planning Board meetings for the last few years, and have also attended them in the past.

Are you currently serving on a board or committee? No

Campaign website: N/A

List your top 3 issues and what you would do regarding each issue.

1 Taxes. As always, everone talks about it, but no one does anything to make changes. We need across the board budget cuts and a hiring freeze.

2 Redevelopment: This is not the answer. It destroys established, successful family businesses and brings in special interests that cut deals to pay little or no taxes, and only provide low-paying jobs. We need to attract small businesses and mid-sized retail by reducing Franklin’s excessive regulation and fees.

3 Our council has become dysfunctional. The public squabbling and promoting of personal agendas is not professional or desirable. It distracts from the real problems that Franklin faces. Our constituents’ concerns should be our first priority.

What else should we know?

My family has supported Franklin through four generations, paying taxes, running our family business, and with other family members working in the mines and for Bethelem Steel. My roots go deep in this town, and we have been here for the long haul, through good and bad. I will be here in the future for the taxpaying citizens.